Local band writes tribute to 2013 Boston Marathon

Region – Root Nine, a Boston-based band that performs along and around the Route 9 corridor, recently released its new single, “Ode to Java Joe.” The song, which is a tribute to the 2013 Boston Marathon, is dedicated to the memories of Krystle Campbell, Martin Richard, Lingzi Lu and Sean Collier and all others affected by the tragic events of last April 15. All proceeds from the sales of the song will be donated to Boston's One Fund and the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation.

“Ode to Java Joe” was written by rhythm and lead guitarist Rick Schiffman and friend, Lis Giusto, who were spectators at the marathon on that fateful day.

“I’m not sure there was ever any deliberate intention to write a song about the Boston Marathon bombings,” Schiffman said. “We wrote the song as a way for each of us to deal with our own experiences of the day. Although we didn's's run in the race, being a spectator just a quarter of a mile from where the second bomb exploded was surreal and frightening.”

Pictures taken at the marathon and those taken in the days that followed guided Giusto as she composed the lyrics. By the time she had finished the last verse, guitarist Schiffman had completed the accompanying melody. All in all, Schiffman said, the process took only a few weeks from the penning of the first few ideas to a working demo of the song.

“Once we thought about what we had, we wanted to do something helpful with it, even if in just a small way,” Schiffman said. “The ultimate goal became recording the song with Root Nine and donating all of the proceeds generated from song downloads to the One Fund and the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation.”

Schiffman hopes that “Ode to Java Joe” is seen as a meaningful tribute to the victims, their families and friends.

“The members of Root Nine hope that the song reminds people?of a time when Boston showed the world how strong it truly is and reminds them of the bonds that were forever formed that day,” Schiffman said. “As the song says, “once stray threads now a tapestry woven”.”

“Ode to Java Joe” is now available from iTunes, Amazon, eMusic and other digital music outlets.

Formed in the fall of 2010, Root Nine is an eclectic blend of rock, indie rock and jam band. In addition to Schiffman, band members include Jeff Vetstein, lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, Todd O”Neill, drums, percussion and backing vocals, Michael Lee, piano/keyboards, and Matt Barber, bass.